Couture Décor: 7 Tips to Buying Art for Your Home

“The world is flooded with artists, which makes it very beautiful. It’s the collector’s job to get out there and start experiencing it.”— Sarah Parker, Masters Gallery

There are three types of people who amble into art galleries: those who are educated about art, those who are not, and those who pretend to be.

I do not know about you, but I fit into the second category. I know so little I would not even attempt to feign being an art connoisseur.

As a teen, art meant tearing out glossy pages of the Backstreet Boys’ mugs out of Teen Bop and making a collage of them on my bedroom ceiling (*cringe*). Well, at least I have outgrown that much.

Still, today, the only pieces of art I own are framed prints from Hobby Lobby, and as Sarah Parker, an art consultant at Masters Gallery (www.mastersgallerydenver.com) at the Village Shops at the Landmark explained to me—those do not qualify.

“When you go into someone’s home, that’s another extension of that person,” Parker said. “You can really tell a lot about them by how they dress, how their home is decorated and what kind of art collection they have.”

As we age throughout our 20s, 30s, 40s, and beyond, our lives advance in all spheres: careers, homes, cars, clothing—so, why not art, too?

And, it is not as rocket science-y as you might think; no need to have been an art history major to simply appreciate its beauty.

“It’s all in the eye of the beholder,” Parker said.

Well, you up and coming art connoisseur you, behold: seven rules of thumb to buying art for the home.

1. GAIN EXPOSURE

While this may seem obvious, in our fast-paced lives the arts must be worked in—with intent.

Visit plenty of galleries. Many art galleries clustered in the same area hold First Friday’s. The galleries extend their hours and serve cocktails the first Friday of each month.

Make an effort to attend art gallery openings, go to the theater and experience the arts of other cultures while traveling. Or, for something a little more intimate, explore one of the city’s art museums as a date night—unlike a movie, there will be plenty of time for conversation.

Awaken your mind to the prospect of art by visiting galleriesMasters Gallery in Denver — a storehouse for both local and global artists

2. START WITH ONE KEY PIECE & BUY WHAT YOU LOVE

Selecting a first piece of artwork may seem like a daunting task, but as Parker said, choosing art is a matter to be left up to the heart.

“Artwork should be very inspiring to you,” she said. “It’s an enhancement. It’s an extension of who you are.”

Parker said she has witnessed clients brought to tears by a piece—this is the feeling a magnificent work of art embodies for the collector: a personal connection.

The art could remind you of a past life experience, inspire you, or be an outward expression of your personality.

Instead of over-thinking it, let the art find you providentially. As Parker said, “Know it when you see it.”

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder when it comes to art. Find what speaks to you.“Waxwings” by artist Anke Schofield, Masters GalleryPhoto Courtesy of Masters Gallery

3. “ROMANCE THE ART”

From our food to our clothing to our décor, we are often distanced from where products derive as consumers; the gap can be closed in the art realm, Parker said, with what she calls a little “romancing.”

When you find a piece of art you love, ask the art consultant (or, research for yourself) who the artist is and the details of their creative process. With that, not only will you fall in love with (and understand) a piece of art, but with the artist.

“It enriches you as a person—culture of any kind: theater, music, fashion and artwork.” — Sarah Parker, Masters Gallery

4. BUY WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD

Art does not automatically constitute a four-figure price tag; it is available at all price points, even free (think about your niece’s finger-painting she gave you, which proudly hung on your refrigerator door).

However, Parker gives two pointers. For your art to stand the test of time in value opt for:

Original works

Bronze casting

The price of casting is on the up-and-up, and original works (versus digitally-copied prints called “Limited Editions”) never will depreciate in value.

Another tip to keep in mind: art is only worth what the last person paid for it. Beware of estimated future appraisal values. Unless they hold a crystal ball, future worth cannot be determined, Parker said; only present market value can be.

If you have fallen in love with a piece that by purchasing it you are essentially sealing off your destiny to eat Ramen for the rest of your life, ask the gallery if they offer payment plans. Many do. It is a layaway of sorts. Put a deposit down and make payments until the piece is paid for in full, then take it home.